China mall in Warsaw boosts local economy and life

The Chinese commodity mall in Warsaw has become the largest distribution center of Chinese commodities in Europe. [Photo: People's Daily]

Poland was an important stop along one of the routes of the ancient Silk Road more than 2,000 years ago, and it is an active participant in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Chinese commodity mall in Warsaw has become one of the early fruits of the Initiative.

"I have bought shoes here for more than two years. They are stylish, come in many varieties and have a definite price advantage," Alina, a shoe shop manager from the north of Poland said.

Han Baohua, the mall's general manager said, "We provide about 5,000 jobs directly, and also have helped create more than 10,000 jobs in logistics, storage and the other parts of the supporting industrial chains."

A man named Krzysztov, wholesaler of children's garments in the mall, told the newspapers he appreciates the opportunity to meet his Chinese partners and take advantage of the dividends of China's fast economic growth.

"My life has been closely related to China and the Belt and Road Initiative will bring us new opportunities," he said.

In the mall, Chinese people run more than 500 shops, Poles over 100, and business people from Vietnam, Ukraine, Turkey and Belarus and Hungary operate the remaining nearly 500 stalls, making the mall the largest distribution center of Chinese commodities in Europe.

According to Han Baohua, the mall will cooperate with partners from Yiwu International Trade Market, to boost Polish exports to China.